Eight seek four at-large Somersworth City Council seats

Thursday

Oct 29, 2009 at 3:15 AMOct 29, 2009 at 5:47 AM

By JASON CLAFFEYjclaffey@fosters.com

SOMERSWORTH — This year's field of candidates for at-large City Council seats possesses an extraordinary amount of political and community service experience, giving voters much to contemplate behind the curtain as they cast their ballots Nov. 3.

Eight candidates are vying for four spots. Incumbents Brian Tapscott and Dana Hilliard will face a group of challengers that includes a current state representative, a 23-year veteran of the city's volunteer firefighting force, a 28-year-old political newcomer, and a former city councilor.

Contributing to the packed field were the announcements that two councilors will not run for re-election. Sherie Dinger said she wants to spend more time with her family; Arvid "Jim" Wiggin is running for mayor.

The field includes:

Armand "Bo" Beaudet was elected to the council once and lost two more bids by fewer than 10 votes. If elected this year, he promised to serve one term.

"Term limits are important," said Beaudet, 60, a Republican. "(Serving on the council) is not a lifetime appointment."

He contended councilors Tapscott and Wiggin, with 22 years and 12 years of service, respectively, have served for too long.

"You need a cross-flow of individuals," he said.

A tax cap proponent, Beaudet supported the council's decision to build a new elementary school, but argues it should be constructed near Malley Farm Road, and not Stackpole Road, because Malley Farm already has infrastructure in place like sidewalks and lighting.

At 28 years old, Matt Durkee is the youngest candidate. A Democrat, he has never served in a political capacity, save for helping organize last year's Somersworth for Obama campaign. Durkee says his lack of experience means he will bring a fresh perspective to City Hall.

"We've basically had the same representation for a number of years now," he said. "If we expect Somersworth to change, go in a new direction, and be in the path of continued growth, we need to look at new leaders."

Durkee is an account executive in charge of sales for a local shoe manufacturer.

Robert Gibson, a former School Board member, believes school spending needs to be reigned in — especially in the area of special education. The school district was recently forced to pay higher-than-anticipated special education costs because of an influx of those students. Gibson said the issue requires examination.

On the city side, he said the council should focus on creative budget solutions to keep the tax rate steady.

A Democrat, Gibson, 54, serves on the Hilltop School Building Re-use Ad Hoc Committee. He has volunteered for numerous city organizations, including the Children's Festival, Pumpkin Festival, Pride Day, Somersworth Main Street, youth soccer, and Little League.

Dana Hilliard, is seeking his second term as an at-large councilor after serving five terms as one of the city's Democratic representatives in the Legislature. The 37-year-old graduated from Somersworth High School and currently works as its assistant principal.

He said one of his proudest achievements as councilor was helping establish the Vision 20/20 Committee, charged with transforming Somersworth into a premier Seacoast destination by the year 2020.

If re-elected, he promised to improve the city's economy, education system, infrastructure, and safety services. He also said he will work to protect the city's open spaces and increase citizens' voice in local government.

Robin Jarvis, is a financial adviser who wants to re-evaluate city spending.

"We need to get energized and work to preserve and revitalize the city," she said. "I feel I have the ability to provide the leadership necessary to achieve the tasks at hand."

An Independent, Jarvis chaired the Somersworth Main Street Multicultural festival and organized its first road race and art show.

She works as a financial adviser at the Portsmouth-based Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.

Dale Sprague, currently serves as a District 2 Democratic state representative. He is in his second term in the Legislature.

He serves on the Public Works and Highway Committee and has advocated redirecting capital improvement money toward expanding the Dover/Newington Bridge on the Spaulding Turnpike. He has also advocated giving a discount to commuters with an E-ZPass who frequently use the tolls.

In March, he led a charge to restore money to the Strafford County Cooperative Extension and Conservation District after funding for both organizations was initially cut from the county budget.

A lifelong Somersworth resident, he owns the Dale R. Sprague Construction excavation company and also works as a real estate broker.

Brian Tapscott, 63, is the longest-serving member of the council.

A Democrat, he said he is seeking re-election because he wants to oversee the construction of a new elementary school.

He was one of two councilors who voted against delaying putting a tax cap question on the November ballot in favor of seeking a court ruling on its legality. He said the issue should have been decided by voters.

During his 22 years of service, he said he's most proud of establishing a volunteer recycling committee and overseeing the construction of the new police station and City Hall buildings.

David Witham has been a volunteer firefighter for 23 years and chaired a committee that formulated numerous revisions to the city charter.

As the economic downturn continues to affect the city's budget, Witham said "creative" solutions need to be explored. He said he has experience in that arena, as he was the principal author in applying for federal grants that have netted the city $1 million for fire equipment.

A Republican, Witham has served on the Planning Board for five years and has worked for the New Hampshire Public Risk Management Exchange as a senior consultant for 21 years.

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